Kayaks

Recent Kayak Reviews

Wilderness Systems Tarpon 120

*Wilderness Systems Tarpon 120 2020 Version* Marketed as an improvement over the original, this boat is anything but... The new Tarpon 120 2020 It is with great sadness I write this review. The Wilderness Systems Tarpon 120 and Tarpon 140 kayaks used to be the best all around roto-molded polyethylene kayaks on the planet. They were extremely functional tools that struck a fine balance between fishing and touring, stability and glide. Read my reviews on those to see just how highly I regard them. Full review

L.L.Bean Manatee 12 Deluxe Angler

I purchased this kayak mainly for duck hunting. I bought the 12' version as I am 6'3" tall and over 250 lbs. This kayak is easy to paddle, carries me in full winter clothes plus decoys and gear. I have had it out on the Delaware River in strong crosswinds and had no issues paddling it through the waves. It’s a comfortable kayak that I can sit in for hours duck hunting. I mainly bought this kayak for duck hunting three years ago. I have used it for fishing and for pleasure paddling too. My two… Full review

ZRay Drift 14'

This kayak holds two people and or 485 pounds. It deflates into its own backpack. I bought this kayak from Costco last year to go fishing on the lakes. It came all folded up in a backpack. It took me a few tries to get it set up right, but once it was set up, it was great. I am 340 pounds and this kayak will carry me, my fishing equipment, and camping gear. What I like about it is that when I am done with it, I just deflate it and store it away. I don't need a kayak carrier on my truck. This kayak… Full review

Wilderness Systems Tarpon 100

My husband and I bought the Tarpon 100 kayaks for each other for Christmas 2017. We are extremely satisfied with the kayaks and can't wait for warmer weather to take them out this spring! So far we are very happy with the Tarpon 100 kayaks. We have used them in the bay and various lakes. I love the size in that we can throw them in the back of his truck without using a carrier. They were great in the bay in the Outerbanks—even had our dog on the kayak with us! Wilderness Systems builds a sturdy… Full review

Seaward Kayaks Chilco

Beauty and performance at a reasonable price point. From their website, "Seaward has produced the finest handcrafted kayaks in the world for 30 years. Our reputation is based on quality, innovation and attention to detail. When you purchase a Seaward Kayak you buy a product on which you can depend to take you further."   Find them here http://www.seawardkayaks.com Seaward Kayaks is located in Canada and hand builds all their composite boats from the finest materials. They sell direct to the consumer… Full review

BIC Sport Bilbao

A tough little kayak with surprising performance... Mention BIC and most people think about lighters and writing pens, but they make so much more. In 1979 BIC Sport was founded by the Bich family, makers of BIC pens and lighters. BIC Sport grew from the family’s passion for water sports and expertise in sustainable manufacturing. By the late 1980s BIC Sport was a world leader in windsurf manufacturing. Since then they have expanded into surf boards, paddle boards, small sailboats, and kayaks. Full review

Stellar Kayaks 14' Surf Ski S14S

Been wishing for a high performance, lightweight SOT??? Your wish has been granted. Behold the Stellar S14S. The Stellar S14S is a hybrid cross between a recreational SOT and a surf ski kayak. It's a composite boat, which means unlike its roto-molded siblings, it's very lightweight not to mention easily repaired. It's also beautiful to look at both on and off the water. Most of all, it's an absolute pleasure to paddle. So what the heck is a surf ski kayak anyway? Surf ski kayaks have been around… Full review

Wilderness Systems Tarpon 140

A versatile, high quality kayak built to last a lifetime. The Wilderness Systems Tarpon 140 is not marketed as a lightweight boat, so I'm not going to deduct points because it's heavy, but know that it is. The Orbix hatches used on these boats look really cool and are convenient to open and close; but they all leak which some people consider a really big deal. I don't. Kayaking is a water sport. That means I and my stuff will probably get wet. Stuff I don't want wet I put in a dry bag; easy. You… Full review

Wilderness Systems Tarpon 100

A hard boat to justify. Without a doubt Wilderness Systems builds exceptional plastic kayaks. They will easily last a lifetime of heavy use with minimal care. They are virtually indestructible in the hands of all but the most extreme users. The Tarpon 100, 120, 140, and 160 all offer what many consider to be the most comfortable SOT seat and driest ride available.  They also come with quite the feature set. So what's the problem? I'll start with the hatches. The Orbix hatches used on these boats… Full review